^"'iooS^^ 1 South Australian Ornithological Association. ^I 



})ionta)ieUus). Mr. J. W. Mellor exhibited eggs from Central Australia, 

 being those of the Black-banded Whiteface {Xcropkila nigrocincia), 

 Chestnut-crowned Babbler {Pomator/iinies rteficeps), and the Black-faced 

 Wood-Swallow {Ariainits melatiops). Mr. Ashby reported that several 

 species of Honey-eating Lorikeets were now plentiful at Blackwood. 

 Captain White noted the Flame-breasted Robin {Pciraxa phasnicea) 

 common now at the Reedbeds. 



Bird Observers* Club. 



The usual quarterly dinner was held at the Mia-Mia Tea Rooms, Collins- 

 street, Melbourne, on Wednesday, i2th February, when thirteen members 

 were present. At the business meeting there was a good attendance. Mr. 

 A. J. Campbell occupied the chair. Apologies were received from Dr. C. 

 Ryan, Messrs. F. P. Godfrey, Donald Macdonald, and Surgeon-General 

 Williams. 



After the minutes had been read and confirmed, the chairman, in an apt 

 speech, welcomed as guest Mr. D. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S., London, editor of 

 The A7>icultitral Magazine. Notice was also taken of Mr. D. Le Souef's 

 return from abroad. Mr. Seth-Smith, in responding, thanked the company 

 for the hearty reception accorded him, and spoke at length on the pleasure 

 it afforded him in being able to study the birds of Australia in their natural 

 haunts. His first love for Australian birds had been inspired by the perusal 

 of Gould's beautiful work. Nature notes were received from Mr. J. 

 Christian, of Raywood, while Mr. T. H. Tregallas contributed a note 

 on Cuckoos. Mr. Cole exhibited a well-preserved mounted Grey 

 Goshawk, shot at Upper Hawthorn, Victoria, 27th February, 1870. The 

 hon. secretary showed a beautiful series of eggs of the Pilot-Bird, the 

 colouring varying considerably. After the conclusion of business Messrs. 

 Nicholls and Mattingley showed some very fine lantern slides, depicting 

 birds, beasts, fishes, and reptiles in their natural surroundings, some of the 

 pictures being as rare as remarkable. 



The Birds of Bass Strait. 



Important Notice. 



The Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria organized three expedi- 

 tions to the islands of the Strait — 1887, to King Island, per s.s. 

 Lady Loch (leader, Mr. A, J, Campbell) ; 1890, to Kent Group, 

 per s.s. Despatch (leader, Mr. D. Le Souef) ; 1893, to Furneaux 

 Group, per s.s. A /ert (leader, Mr. J. Gabriel). 



During the next (November) session of the A.O.U., which is 

 to be held in Melbourne, the Council hope to organize an 

 expedition to visit some of the remaining unexplored and little- 

 known islands of the Strait, notably Hogan Group and a 

 small Albatross " rookery " never yet visited by ornithologists. 



For members who dislike the tossing of the Strait, a quieter 

 camp-out excursion will take place on Cape Wollomai, Phillip 

 Island. 



Members intending to join either expedition or excursion 

 are invited to send their names to the hon. secretary, Mr. 

 A. H. E. Mattingley, so that early arrangements may be made. 

 The expedition can only take place if there be sufficient 

 members to share the expense of a small steamer. Such a 

 trip is the cJiance of a life-thne for an ornithologist or bird-lover. 



